Charan J. Richards

Charan Jean Richards A Beautiful & Unique Gift From God \\

Charan Jean Richards, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Soror and friend was born on February 25, 1955, in South Bend, Indiana to Mr. Samuel Henderson, Sr. and Annell Henderson. Charan entered eternal rest early Wednesday morning November 6, 2024, surrounded by her family. 

She was a gift from God who understood her assignment and worked tirelessly for those in need, especially students and their families.  She was a force to be reckoned with and used her strong voice to help those in need, speaking truth to power and advocating for students until the very end.

Charan graduated from South Bend LaSalle High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.  She went on to earn her Master of Science in Education degree in Counseling and Human Services from Indiana University, South Bend 

Charan began her professional journey as a Social Worker for the Indiana Department of Child Services of St. Joseph County. Over the years, she served as a School Counselor and Social Worker at several South Bend Community Schools, including Kennedy, Wilson, and Harrison Elementary. Her journey as an educator did not end there as she continued as a School Guidance Counselor at Clay and Adams High Schools, Edison Intermediate School, and ended her career as the Director of School Counseling at Riley High School. Charan served the South Bend Community School Corporation for over 30 years. She was the Director of the 21st Century After School Program, and she sponsored the Riley Sisterhood Club. She was also an Adjunct Faculty Member for the Indiana University South Bend School of Education. 

While a student at Ball State University, Charan became a member of the Delta Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where her line name was AT&T.  Upon returning to South Bend, she became an active member of the South Bend Alumnae Chapter, where over the years she’s served as Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Member of the Education, Internal Audit, Policies & Procedures and Fundraising Committees. Charan was truly an exemplary member who embraced and lived the fundamental principles of her beloved sorority.

Charan was recognized by the City of South Bend as a 2023 Black History Month Awardee and the 2024 Human Rights Education Community Service Award.

In 1978 she married Mr. Charles Richards Jr., who survives along with their son, Charles Richards III, daughter Chanel Richards along with two granddaughters, Addisyn and Averie Burke who will cherish her precious memory. Those who will also cherish her memory are her sisters Cherelyn (Melvin) Williams, Leslie (Derrick Sr.) Wesley, Theresa Miller, and Melanie Boyd all of South Bend, Indiana; Brother, Samuel (Stacey) Henderson of Memphis, Tennessee; Stepsisters Jeanie Jenkins, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kathye Jo Waters, South Bend, Indiana; Stepbrother Wayne “Cheo” (Leila) Waters of Daytona Beach, Florida; two sisters-in-law, Charlotte Fair of Detroit, Michigan and Gloria ‘Cokie’ (Jay) Johnson of Portage, Indiana; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends to continue her legacy of servant leadership. 

Charan was preceded in death by her mother, Annell Waters, who passed on June 24, 2024; father Samuel Henderson, Sr., stepfather, Lester Waters as well as her brothers, Craig and George Waters, stepsisters, Yvonne Carrothers and Gelaine Waters and nephews, Cameron Williams and Brandon Weston.

Her life was a blessing, Her memory is a treasure, She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure!

Condolences may be sent to alfordsmortuary@att.net. 

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